Makers likewise highlight value additions and better ergonomics to attract clients.

Improving thermal conductivity continues to lead R&D initiatives in China’s laptop cooler industry. Aside from adopting high-rotary-speed radiator fans, suppliers are using aluminum instead of iron for enhanced heat dissipation. The former material also boasts low cost and light weight.

	The HF-802 model from Dongguan Haowei is suitable for 10 to 15in laptops. It has a 1,500rpm fan and two LED lights.

Active models, which have built-in fans and run on USB power, are mainstream. The category now accounts for about 90 percent of the country’s total output.

Passive variants have become less popular as they lack fans and instead rely only on materials with high thermal conductivity to absorb heat.

Another key trend in the line is multifunctionality. Manufacturers are incorporating extra features such as USB hubs and card slots in latest designs, especially in active laptop coolers as passive types are commonly single-function. Makers offer high-end units with built-in speakers as well.

In terms of design, companies underscore ergonomic details. Adjustable inclination angle and height are among the key enhancements.

Some enterprises consider expanding their lineup to include versions for tablet PCs because of the device’s growing user base.

Laptop coolers from China are made of plastic, iron or aluminum. They suit 10 to 17in notebook PCs and connect via USB 2.0. Most have one to three 60 or 80mm fans with 500 to 2,000rpm speed.

There are variants, including the plastic HF-836 model from Dongguan Haowei Electronics Co. Ltd, with an adjustable fan rate. The unit is compatible with 12 to 17in laptops and has a 120x120x25mm fan.

Prices range from $1 to $15. Single-function plastic versions with one or two fans are considered low-end and list between $1 and $2. Midrange units have a USB hub and a plastic or aluminum housing. Quotes are $2.10 to $4. Upscale types go for as much as $15. In addition to USB hubs, these can have built-in speakers and adjustable height.

Many suppliers said they will keep rates stable in the months ahead to remain competitive.

The USB cable, housing material and fan are the key components. These are mainly sourced from local providers.

Companies are generally optimistic about the line. Many expect at least 10 percent sales growth in 2011, reflecting the continued increase in laptop shipments worldwide. Last year, global notebook PC deliveries totaled 194 million, climbing about 21 percent from 2009, according to DRAMeXchange. The figure is forecast to hit 208 million units by year-end, rising 7 percent YoY. Demand is largely driven by emerging and commercial markets.

Product gallery

Product gallery Cixi Dujia Electric Appliance Co. Ltd Model: LZ203 MOQ: 1,000 units Delivery: 35 days Description: Two centrifugal fans; ABS; USB-powered; 270x200x30mm; for 10in laptops

Dongguan Haowei Electronics Co. Ltd Model: HF-738 MOQ: 1,000 units Delivery: 15 days Description: Three fans; acrylic, plastic; USB-powered; transparent body with blue LED; plug-and-play; 285x240x30mm; 287g; for 13.3 to 14.1in laptops

USB Online Intl Electronics Ltd Model: WSS-RDZ05A MOQ: 1,000 units Delivery: 7 days Description: Two 80x80x15mm fans; 3-port USB 2.0 hub, 480Mbps maximum data rate; Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS 8.6; 333x330x22mm; CE, RoHS

Note: This article "New materials improve laptop cooler heat dissipation" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

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